Effect of SEBS-MA and MAPP as coupling agent on the thermal and mechanical properties in highly filled composites of oil palm fiber/PP

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on a study of highly filled composites of polypropylene (PP) and 75 and 85% by weight of oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPF) with and without coupling agent, maleic anhydride-grafted poly (styrene-ethylene/butadiene styrene) (SEBS-MA) and a maleated polypropylene (MAPP). Composites were prepared using a thermokinetic mixer for blending followed by hot pressing. The thermal and mechanical behavior of these composites was investigated by flexural and impact testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was also used to study the properties. The MAPP improve the flexural modulus and flexural strength of the composites with 75 and 85wt% of oil palm fiber while SEBS-MA improved the impact strength of the composites. By SEM it was possible to observe some voids, pull out and debonding in the polypropylene, and allowing the observation of level of adhesion between the fiber and matrix. DMTA showed a decrease in storage modulus when high amounts of fiber were added to polypropylene, however, the presence of the SEBS-MA and MAPP increased the storage modulus. This study looks into the effect of MAH modification on the compatibility of OPF and PP, gives a broad overview of an initial study of these new materials.

KEYWORDS:

• Oil palm fiber (OPF)
• compatibilizers
• highly filled composites

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thanks Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq/Brazil) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes/Brazil) for financial support. And, the financial and technical support of EMBRAPA, DEMA/UFSCar and University of Copenhagen.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico.